to force 3ds Max to run in Workstation mode, since MAXScript has a long list of limitations when executing in Slave mode without the GUI. However, a 3ds Max license would be required by the render node in this case.

It shows how to write scripts that run on a Deadline Slave and access Deadline settings, as well as how to create a MAXScript-based submitter to send such a job without using the SMTD UI. While not exactly what you asked for, it might still be useful...